Liberal MPs are backing a new petition to lower the federal voting age to 16, reviving a debate last rejected by the House of Commons in 2022. Blacklock's Reporter says the petition, sponsored by MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith (Beaches-East York, Ont.), calls on Parliament to amend the Elections Act and urges provinces to follow suit.“Extending the voting age to 16 would empower a new generation to participate in democracy while still in school where habits of civic engagement are more easily built and supported,” reads Petition E-6629. It argues that teens already shoulder major responsibilities such as working, paying taxes, driving, and caring for family members..The initiative was submitted by Shazia Ibrahem, chair of the Calgary East Federal Liberal Association, who wrote that “young Canadians are informed, thoughtful and actively involved in their schools, communities and movements that shape our country’s future.”The petition warns of a “generational decline of civic engagement” that it says is undermining democracy and national security. It cites youth disenfranchisement on issues like public health, climate change and affordability as a contributor to polarization.Parliament last lowered the voting age in 1970, from 21 to 18. A similar private bill in 2022, Bill C-210, was defeated by a 245 to 77 vote. Erskine-Smith was among 20 Liberal MPs to support it, 13 of whom remain in the Commons. Supporters included Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin, Deputy Government House Leader Arielle Kayabaga, and parliamentary secretaries Kody Blois, Sophie Chatel, Brendan Hanley, Tim Louis and others.The new petition is currently open for signatures on the House of Commons website.
